Recycling value instruments in an automated teller machine

ABSTRACT

A computer system for recycling value instruments in an automated teller machine has a memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the system to receive an image of a value instrument obtained by an automated teller machine for deposit. The image of the value instrument is analyzed to determine its condition. Then, based on the condition of the value instrument, it may be determined that the value instrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals. Upon determining that the value instrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals, recycling of the value instrument by the automated teller machine is initiated and an indication reflecting the recycling is generated so as to influence when a next servicing of the automated teller machine will occur. Related methods and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

FIELD

The present application relates to handling value instruments receivedfor deposit in automated teller machines (ATMs) and, more particularly,to selective recycling of value instruments received by ATMs for use inservicing subsequent withdrawals.

BACKGROUND

Automated teller machines (ATMs) or automated banking machines (ABMs)allow certain banking activities to be performed without resort to ahuman teller. For example, withdrawals can be made and fulfilled byvalue instruments (in many cases, banknotes) dispensed by the machine.In another example, deposits can be made with value instruments insertedinto the machine.

Deposits are made up of one or more value instruments. In most existingATMs, value instruments making up deposits are packaged by the depositorinto an envelope and are then inserted into the ATM using an envelope.These envelopes are then retained by the ATM and the amount of eachdeposit is verified after the ATM is serviced and the envelopes areopened.

More recently, some so-called “envelope-free” ATMs allow valueinstruments to be received by an ATM without using an envelope. SuchATMs may include a scanner that captures images of value instrumentsreceived by the ATM. This may facilitate technologies such asimage-based cheque clearing (sometimes referred to as “chequetruncation”) which can allow the handling of the physical cheque in thecheque clearing process to be replaced with electronic transfers ofimages.

When the cassette(s) from which cash is dispensed to fulfill withdrawalsare low or empty, the ATM must be serviced. For example, an armored carservice may visit the ATM to refill those cassettes. An ATM may alsorequire servicing if a deposit cassette used to retain deposit items hasbecome full. Indeed, servicing may also involve picking up valueinstruments retained from deposits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are described in detail below, with reference to thefollowing drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic operation diagram illustrating an operatingenvironment of an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing components of an exampleautomated teller machine;

FIG. 3 is a logical block diagram of the example automated tellermachine of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a high-level operation diagram of an example computing device;

FIG. 5 depicts an example simplified software organization of theexample computing device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 provides a flowchart depicting example operations performed inautomatically handling a deposited value instrument as may be recycled;

FIG. 7 provides a stylized depiction of a banknote;

FIG. 8 is a schematic operation diagram illustrating an operatingenvironment of an example embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram depicting communications between computersystems during handling of a deposit, exemplary of the exampleembodiment of FIG. 8.

Like reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote like elementsand features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

According to the subject matter of the present application, there may beprovided a computer-implemented method. The method may include receivingan image of a value instrument obtained by an automated teller machinefor deposit. The image of the value instrument may be analyzed todetermine a condition of the value instrument. Based on the condition ofthe value instrument, it may be determined whether the value instrumentis suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals. Upon determining thatthe value instrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals,recycling of the value instrument by the automated teller machine may beinitiated. Further, it may be that indication reflecting the recyclingis generated to influence when a next servicing of the automated tellermachine will occur.

In this way, value instruments (e.g., cash) received by the automatedteller machine may be recycled for use in servicing subsequentwithdrawals. Further, the indication reflecting this recycling may allowinfluencing of when a next servicing of the automated teller machinewill occur. For example, where sufficient value instruments arerecycled, servicing (e.g., to replenish the automated teller machinewith value instruments) may be deferred.

By contrast in existing ATMs (even “envelope-free” ATMs), if a customergoes to an ATM and withdraws cash, that cash is dispensed from acassette. Meanwhile, if a different (or the same) customer deposits cashor other value instruments into that same ATM, those value instrumentsgo into a separate cassette that is not used to fulfill withdrawals.Notably, this may mean that servicing of an existing ATM may be requiredto refill one or more cassettes with value instruments (e.g., banknotes)even while that same ATM has another cassette full of same or similarvalue instruments from deposits. Conveniently, it may be that animplementation of the subject matter of the present application mayavoid or limit such unnecessary servicing.

The value instrument may be a banknote. Alternatively, it may be thatthe value instrument is a coin.

In some implementations, the method may further include receiving animage of a second value instrument obtained by the automated tellermachine for deposit. The image of the second value instrument may beanalyzed to determine a condition of the second value instrument. Basedon the condition of the second value instrument, it may be determinedthat the second value instrument is unsuitable for recycling to fulfillwithdrawals. Upon determining that the second value instrument isunsuitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals, retaining of the secondvalue instrument by the automated teller machine for pick-up when theautomated teller machine is serviced may be initiated.

In some implementations, determining the condition of the valueinstrument may include determining a condition score reflective of thecondition of the value instrument. It may be that determining that thevalue instrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawalsincludes determining that the condition score is greater than athreshold score.

In some implementations, analyzing the image of the value instrument todetermine the condition of the value instrument may include comparingthe image of the value instrument to a digital specimen valueinstrument.

In some implementations, the condition includes a counterfeit status ofthe value instrument. It may be that analyzing the image of the valueinstrument to determine the condition of the value instrument includesverifying, using the image, one or more security features of the valueinstrument.

In some implementations, the indication reflecting the recycling toinfluence when a next servicing of the automated teller machine willoccur may include an indication of a level of recycled value instrumentsretained in the automated teller machine and the method may furtherinclude sending the indication of the level of recycled valueinstruments retained in the automated teller machine to an automatedscheduling component. It may be that the automated scheduling componentis configured to schedule servicing of the automated teller machinebased on the level of recycled value instruments.

In some implementations, the automated scheduling component isconfigured to schedule servicing of the automated teller machine bydeferring a scheduled service visit where at least a threshold quantityof value instruments has been retained in the automated teller machinefor recycling. It may be that the automated scheduling component isfurther configured to determine a projected level of value instrumentsin the automated teller machine based on cash withdrawal activity usingthe automated teller machine and cash deposit activity using theautomated teller machine. The automated scheduling component may befurther configured to schedule servicing of the automated teller machinebased on the projected level of value instruments in the automatedteller machine.

In some implementations, the method may further include determining,based on previous deposits by a customer associated with the deposit,whether deposits including value instruments like the value instrumentare typical for the customer. Determining that the value instrument issuitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals may be further based onwhether the deposit is typical for the customer.

According to the subject matter of the present application, there may beprovided a computer system configured to perform the above-describedmethod. Such a computer system may include a processor and a memory. Thememory may be coupled to the processor. The memory may storeinstructions that, when executed by the computer system, cause thecomputer system to perform the above described method.

In a particular example, there may be provided a computer systemincluding a processor and a memory. The memory may be coupled to theprocessor. The memory may store instructions that, when executed by thecomputer system, cause the computer system to receive an image of avalue instrument obtained by an automated teller machine for deposit;analyze the image of the value instrument to determine a condition ofthe value instrument; determine, based on the condition of the valueinstrument, that the value instrument is suitable for recycling tofulfill withdrawals; and upon determining that the value instrument issuitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals, initiate recycling of thevalue instrument by the automated teller machine and generate anindication reflecting the recycling to influence when a next servicingof the automated teller machine will occur.

According to the subject matter of the present application, there may beprovided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storinginstructions that, when executed by a processor of a computer system,cause the computer system to perform the above-described method.

In a particular example, there may be provided non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, whenexecuted by a processor of a computer system, cause the computer systemto: receive an image of a value instrument obtained by an automatedteller machine for deposit; analyze the image of the value instrument todetermine a condition of the value instrument; determine, based on thecondition of the value instrument, that the value instrument is suitablefor recycling to fulfill withdrawals; and upon determining that thevalue instrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals,initiate recycling of the value instrument by the automated tellermachine and generate an indication reflecting the recycling to influencewhen a next servicing of the automated teller machine will occur.

According to the subject matter of the present application, there may beprovided an automated teller machine. The automated teller machine mayinclude an item receiver/dispenser, an item scanner, a controller, adisplay, and one or more cassettes. The automated teller machine mayreceive, via the item receiver/dispenser, a value instrument fordeposit. The automated teller machine may scan the received valueinstrument using the item scanner to produce a scanned image of thevalue instrument. The automated teller machine may recycle the valueinstrument using a recycling one of the one or more cassettes where,based on a condition determined based on an analysis of the scannedimage of the value instrument, that the value instrument is suitable forrecycling to fulfill withdrawals. It may be that, further to therecycling, an indication reflecting the recycling is generated toinfluence when a next servicing of the automated teller machine willoccur.

Other aspects and features of the present application will be understoodby those of ordinary skill in the art from a review of the followingdescription of examples in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

In the present application, the term “and/or” is intended to cover allpossible combinations and sub-combinations of the listed elements,including any one of the listed elements alone, any sub-combination, orall of the elements, and without necessarily excluding additionalelements.

In the present application, the phrase “at least one of . . . or . . . ”is intended to cover any one or more of the listed elements, includingany one of the listed elements alone, any sub-combination, or all of theelements, without necessarily excluding any additional elements, andwithout necessarily requiring all of the elements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic operation diagram illustrating an operatingenvironment of an example embodiment.

As illustrated, an automated teller machine 100 and a back-office serversystem 110 communicate via a network 120.

The automated teller machine 100 and the back-office server system 110may be in geographically disparate locations. Put differently, theautomated teller machine 100 may be remote from the back-office serversystem 110.

As further explained below, the automated teller machine 100 and theback-office server system 110 are computer systems.

The automated teller machine 100 is adapted to provide access to bankingservices such as, for example, withdrawals and deposits. As furtherexplained below, the automated teller machine 100 is configured to scan(e.g., capture a digital image of) at least some of the valueinstruments it receives. As such, the automated teller machine 100 maybe an “envelope-free” automated teller machine.

The back-office server system 110 is a server that provides one or moreback-office services to a financial institution including, for example,maintenance of accounts, payment processing, fraud detection and thelike. The back-office server system 110 may, for example, be a mainframecomputer, a minicomputer, or the like. In some embodiments, theback-office server system 110 may be formed of or may include one ormore computing devices. For example, the back-office server system 110may include and/or may communicate with multiple computing devices suchas, for example, database servers, compute servers, and the like.Multiple computing devices such as these may be in communication using acomputer network. For example, such computing devices may communicateusing a local-area network (LAN). In some embodiments, the back-officeserver system 110 may include multiple computing devices organized in atiered arrangement. For example, the back-office server system 110 mayinclude middle tier and back-end computing devices. In some embodiments,the back-office server system 110 may be a cluster formed of a pluralityof interoperating computing devices.

The network 120 is a computer network. In some embodiments, the network120 may be an internetwork such as may be formed of one or moreinterconnected computer networks. For example, the network 120 may be ormay include an Ethernet network, an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)network, a wireless network, and/or the like. Additionally oralternatively, one or more devices may communicate with the computernetwork by way of a plain-old telephone service (POTS) line such asusing a modem. In a particular example, the automated teller machine 100may communicate with the back-office server system 110, directly orindirectly, by way of a POTS line.

Example components of the automated teller machine 100 will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing the automated teller machine 100with an access panel 200 opened to reveal certain internal components.

As illustrated, the automated teller machine 100 may include acontroller 210, a display 220, a keypad 230, an item receiver/dispenser240, cassettes 250, and a card reader 260.

As further described below, the controller 210 is a computing device.For example, the controller 210 may include a processor that executesinstructions retrieved from a computer-readable medium thereby causingthe automated teller machine 100 to perform operations for providingaccess to banking services including handling deposits of valueinstruments which may then be recycled.

The display 220 may for example, be a liquid-crystal display (LCD), acathode-ray tube (CRT), or the like. The display 220 is for presentinginformation such as to a user of the automated teller machine 100. Thedisplay 220 may present information under control of the controller 210.

The keypad 230 is an input device allowing input to be provided to theautomated teller machine 100. Input received via the keypad 230 may beconveyed to the controller 210. Notably, the keypad 230 may be used by auser to provide a personal identification number (PIN) to the automatedteller machine 100 as a part of authenticating to the automated tellermachine 100.

The item receiver/dispenser 240 is a mechanical device allowing valueinstruments to be obtained by and dispensed by the automated tellermachine 100. For example, it may be that the item receiver/dispenser 240provides a single slot through which value instruments are received anddispensed. Additionally or alternatively, the item receiver/dispenser240 may provide multiple slots such as, for example, one or more slotsfor receiving value instruments and one or more slots for dispensingvalue instruments. In some embodiments, the item receiver/dispenser 240may consist of multiple mechanical units. Each such mechanical unit maybe in communication with a respective slot of the automated tellermachine 100. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of themechanical units may communicate with the same slot—i.e., a shared slot.It may be that components or units of the item receiver/dispenser 240are specialized to a particular type or types of value instrument. Forexample, a particular component or unit of the item receiver/dispenser240 may be adapted to receiving and/or dispensing banknotes of onedenomination, while another component or unit may be adapted toreceiving and/or dispensing banknotes of another denomination.Alternatively, it may be that the item receiver/dispenser 240 is amonolithic unit that handles all manner of value instruments.

The item receiver/dispenser 240 is in communication with the cassettes250. Each of the cassettes 250 is adapted to receive and/or dispensevalue instruments. For example, a deposit cassette of the cassettes 250may be adapted to receive value instruments that are provided fordeposit. A deposit cassette may be or may include a bin. In anotherexample, a cash cassette of the cassettes 250 may be loaded with banknotes that can be dispensed to satisfy withdrawals. In another example,there may, as further described below, be provided one or more recyclingcassettes of the cassettes 250 that can both receive deposited valueinstruments and then dispense them in order to satisfy withdrawals.Notably, recycling cassettes may be loaded into the automated tellermachine 100 empty or, alternatively, may be loaded into the automatedteller machine 100 full or partially full. In a particular example, arecycling cassette may be a cash cassette.

The card reader 260 allows data to be read from a card such as, forexample, a common ISO-sized ATM or cheque card. For example, the cardreader 260 may allow data to be read from magnetic stripe cards and/orchip cards. In some embodiments, the card reader 260 may require a cardto be swiped through it to be read (a so-called “swipe reader”) and/orit may allow a card to be inserted into it for reading (a so-called “dipreader”). In some embodiments, the card reader 260 may be adapted toallow inserted cards to be retained by the automated teller machine 100indefinitely (such as if fraud is suspected) and/or for the period of asession.

FIG. 3 is a logical block diagram of the automated teller machine 100.As described above, the automated teller machine 100 may include acontroller 210, a display 220, a keypad 230, an item receiver/dispenser240, cassettes 250, and a card reader 260 as described above.Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the automated teller machine 100 mayinclude an item scanner 310 and a communications module 320.

The item scanner 310 is adapted to scan some or all of the valueinstruments received by the automated teller machine 100. For example,the item scanner 310 may scan value instruments (such as, for example,bank notes, negotiable instruments like cheques, money orders, bankdrafts, warrants of payment, etc.) as they are received by the automatedteller machine 100 such as, for example, by way of the itemreceiver/dispenser 240. The item scanner 310 may be a colour, black andwhite, or a greyscale scanner. In some cases, the item scanner 310 may,additionally or alternatively, be an ultraviolet scanner. An ultravioletscanner may, for example, allow security features of some valueinstruments to be identified such as, for example, for counterfeitdetection. The item scanner 310 may use one or more of a variety ofscanning technologies. For example, the item scanner 310 may be or mayemploy a contact image sensor (CIS), a charge-coupled device (CCD),and/or the like.

The communications module 320 allows the automated teller machine 100 tocommunicate with other computing devices and/or various communicationsnetworks such as, for example, the network 120. In other words, thecommunications module 320 may allow the automated teller machine 100 tosend or receive communications signals. Communications signals may besent or received according to one or more protocols or according to oneor more standards. For example, the communications module 320 may allowthe automated teller machine 100 to communicate via an Ethernet network,an ATM network, a telephone network, and/or via cellular data network,such as for example, according to one or more standards such as, forexample, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA), Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO), Long-termEvolution (LTE) or the like. Additionally or alternatively, thecommunications module 320 may allow the automated teller machine 100 tocommunicate using near-field communication (NFC), via Wi-Fi™, usingBluetooth™ or via some combination of one or more networks or protocols.

FIG. 4 is a high-level operation diagram of an example computing device400. In some embodiments, the example computing device 400 may beexemplary of one or more of the controller 210 (FIG. 2) and theback-office server system 110 (FIG. 1). As will be discussed in greaterdetail below, each of the automated teller machine 100 (FIG. 1) (and,potentially, the controller 210 in particular) and the back-officeserver system 110 includes software that adapts it to perform aparticular function. More particularly, software of each of theautomated teller machine 100 and the back-office server system 110cooperates, with communication between the automated teller machine 100and the back-office server system 110 in order to handle deposits ofvalue instruments and to recycle value instruments received by theautomated teller machine 100 as a part of such deposits for use inservicing subsequent withdrawals.

The example computing device 400 includes a variety of modules. Forexample, as illustrated, the example computing device 400 may include aprocessor 410, a memory 420, and an input/output (I/O) module 430. Asillustrated, the foregoing example modules of the example computingdevice 400 are in communication over a bus 440.

The processor 410 is a hardware processor. The processor 410 may, forexample, be one or more ARM, Intel x86, PowerPC processors or the like.

The memory 420 allows data to be stored and retrieved. The memory 420may include, for example, random access memory, read-only memory, andpersistent storage. Persistent storage may be, for example, flashmemory, a solid-state drive or the like. Read-only memory and persistentstorage are each a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Acomputer-readable medium may be organized using a file system such asmay be administered by an operating system governing overall operationof the example computing device 400.

The I/O module 430 allows the example computing device 400 to interactwith devices such as, for example, peripherals to send and receive data.The I/O module 430 may, for example, allow the example computing device400 to interface with input devices such as, for example, keypads,keyboards, pointing devices, and the like. In another example, the I/Omodule 430 may, for example, allow the example computing device 400 tointerface with output devices such as, for example, displays, printers,and the like. In a particular example, where the example computingdevice 400 forms a part of the automated teller machine 100 (FIG. 1)such as, for example, if the example computing device 400 is or forms apart of the controller 210 (FIG. 2) of the automated teller machine 100,the I/O module 430 may allow the example computing device 400 tointerface with one or more of the display 220, the keypad 230, the itemreceiver/dispenser 240, the card reader 260, the item scanner 310,and/or the communications module 320.

Software comprising instructions is executed by the processor 410 from acomputer-readable medium. For example, software may be loaded intorandom-access memory from persistent storage of the memory 420.Additionally or alternatively, instructions may be executed by theprocessor 410 directly from read-only memory of the memory 420.

FIG. 5 depicts a simplified organization of software components storedin the memory 420 of the example computing device 400. As illustratedthese software components include an operating system 500 andapplication software 510.

The operating system 500 is software. The operating system 500 allowsthe application software 510 to access the processor 410, the memory420, and the I/O module 430. The operating system 500 may be, forexample, UNIX™, Linux™, Microsoft™ Windows™, Apple OSX™ or the like.

The application software 510 adapts the example computing device 400, incombination with the operating system 500, to operate as a deviceperforming a particular function. For example, the application software510 may cooperate with the operating system 500 to adapt a suitableembodiment of the example computing device 400 to operate as thecontroller 210 (FIG. 2) of the automated teller machine 100 (FIGS. 1, 2and 3) or as the back-office server system 110 (FIG. 1).

Operations performed by the automated teller machine 100 and theback-office server system 110 will be described below with reference toFIG. 6.

FIG. 6 provides a flowchart 600 depicting example operations performedin automatically handling value instruments received for deposit.Operations 610 and onward are performed by one or more processors of oneor more computing device, such as, for example, the processor 410 (FIG.4) of one or more suitably configured instances of the example computingdevice 400 (FIG. 4), executing software such as, for example, a suitableinstance of the application software 510 (FIG. 5). In a particularexample, one or more of the operations 610 and onward may be performedby a processor of the controller 210 (FIG. 2) of the automated tellermachine 100 and/or a processor of the back-office server system 110.

At the operation 610, a value instrument is obtained by the automatedteller machine 100 (FIGS. 1-3) for deposit. The value instrument may,for example, be a banknote. The value instrument may be received by theitem receiver/dispenser 240. The value instrument is scanned by theautomated teller machine 100 to provide an electronic image (e.g., abitmap) representing the value instrument. The value instrument may bescanned by the item scanner 310 (FIG. 2).

After scanning, at an operation 620, the image of the value instrument(for example, a scanned image of a received banknote) obtained by theautomated teller machine 100 for deposit may be received by thecontroller 210. Additionally or alternatively, the scanned image of thevalue instrument, may be transmitted to and received by anothercomputing device such as, for example, the back-office server system110.

Following the operation 620, at an operation 630, the scanned image ofthe value instrument is analyzed to determine whether the associatedvalue instrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals. Forexample, it may be determined, based on the condition of the valueinstrument, whether or not the value instrument is suitable forrecycling.

A value instrument may be considered fit for recycling if it meetscertain standards of quality or fitness. For example, it may be that thevalue instrument is required to not be overly mutilated or damaged. Inanother example, it may be that the value instrument is required not topresent any indicia of being a possible counterfeit. Manners ofdetermining whether a value instrument is fit for recycling based on animage of it will now be discussed with reference to the example of abanknote as may correspond to a deposited value instrument.

FIG. 7 provides a stylized depiction of a banknote 700. It may be thatthe scanned image of a deposited value instrument corresponds to abanknote such as the banknote 700.

The banknote 700 may, as illustrated, correspond to a United States onehundred dollar ($100) Federal Reserve Note.

The face of the banknote 700 bears an images and numerous visualelements including a security ribbon 710, a seal 720, and a portrait730, the presence and integrity of which can be verified by visuallyinspecting a physical banknote. The presence of the pair of serialnumbers 740 may also be verified by visual inspection. Correspondingverification and/or additional verification of the banknote 700 may beprovided based on an image thereof as further described below.

For example, the condition of the banknote 700 may be verified bycomparing such an image of the banknote 700 to a digital specimen valueinstrument. Such a digital specimen of a value instrument may be or mayinclude, for example, reference images for one or more portions ofbanknotes of a particular type such as, for example, for the securityribbon 710, the seal 720 and/or the portrait 730. Some minor deviationsof the image of the banknote 700 from the digital specimen maycorrespond to minor problems of condition (e.g., where the banknote 700is showing effects of wear from circulation). More substantialdeviations of the image of the banknote 700 from the digital specimenmay correspond to more serious problems of condition (e.g., where thebanknote 700 has been mutilated).

It may be that a condition score is determined reflective of thecondition of a value instrument such as, for example, a banknote, basedon the results of the comparison of one or more banknote features todigital specimen(s). Where a condition score is generated, determiningthat a value instrument (e.g., the banknote 700) is suitable forrecycling to fulfill withdrawals may include determining that such acondition score is greater than a threshold score.

Additionally or alternatively, determining the condition of the banknote700 may include determining a counterfeit status of the banknote 700. Acounterfeit status of the banknote 700 may be determined based on ascanned image of the banknote 700. For example, one or more securityfeatures of the banknote 700 as reproduced in an image thereof may becompared to digital specimen(s) so as to verify the security features.Notably, such digital specimen(s) may be the same as, included in, inaddition to, or different from the digital specimen(s) as may beemployed for assessing bill condition as regards mutilation and/ordamage. Based on comparison(s) to digital specimen(s), a counterfeitstatus of the banknote 700 may be determined. Where a counterfeit statusis generated, determining that a value instrument (e.g., the banknote700) is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals may includedetermining that such a counterfeit score is less than a thresholdscore.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more algorithms may be used toverify other elements of the scanned image of the banknote 700 such as,for example, security features such as, for example, a digital watermarkhidden (not shown) in the image of the face of the banknote 700 and/orthe presence of a EURion constellation (also not shown) in the scannedimage.

In another example, beyond verifying the presence of the pair of serialnumbers 740, the value of the serial number of the banknote 700 may beextracted and analyzed in one or more ways. The value of the serialnumber of the banknote 700 may be extracted from the pair of serialnumbers 740 by way of, for example, optical character recognition (OCR)techniques. Notably, the serial number of the banknote 700 may beextracted from one or both of the serial numbers of the pair of serialnumbers 740. Where the value is extracted from both of the serialnumbers of the pair of serial numbers 740, the extracted values may becompared to determine whether they match. Notably, where they do notmatch the banknote 700 may be considered to be a likely or probablecounterfeit and may be considered to be unsuitable for recycling tofulfill withdrawals.

Additionally or alternatively, the extracted value may be analyzed todetermine whether it corresponds to an expected format. Notably, again,where the extracted serial number doesn't match an expected format, thebanknote 700 may be considered to be a likely or probable counterfeitand may be considered to be unsuitable for recycling to fulfillwithdrawals.

Additionally or alternatively, the extracted value may be comparedagainst a database of serial numbers known to be associated withcounterfeit bills. Such a database may, for example, include a list ofserial numbers of known or suspected counterfeits and/or ranges ofvalues known to be associated with known or suspected counterfeit bills.Notably, again, where there is a match against such a database, thebanknote 700 may be considered to be a likely or probable counterfeitand may be considered to be unsuitable for recycling to fulfillwithdrawals.

The above description is by way of example but serves to illustrate how,for example, by using analysis of the image of a value instrumentobtained by the automated teller machine, it may be determined whether avalue instrument is suitable for recycling. Other value instruments maybe analyzed in similar manners.

Notably, where the item scanner 310 is or includes an ultravioletscanner an image of the value instrument may, additionally oralternatively, be obtained of a deposited value instrument underultraviolet light. Conveniently, in this way, features of a valueinstrument visible only under ultraviolet light (and/or more apparentunder such light) such as, for example, various security features, maybe verified based on that image such as, for example, in manners similarto those described above with reference to the banknote 700.

Notably, not all security features of a deposited value instrument willnecessarily be checked by the automated teller machine 100. For example,an ATM may not be equipped to check for raised features on the surfaceof the bill. In another example, the automated teller machine 100 may,additionally or alternatively, not be equipped to verify holograms. Forthis and other reasons, recycling of value instruments may be integratedwith existing fraud systems of a financial institution and some valueinstruments may not be recycled for reasons other than bill quality. Inother words, it may be that beyond inspection of the image of a valueinstrument, other factors are, additionally or alternatively, consideredin determining whether a value instrument is suitable for recycling. Forexample, it may be that a denomination or value of the value instrumentis determined based on the image thereof. It may then be determined,based on previous deposits by a customer associated with the deposit(e.g., the cardholder of a card used to authenticate with the ATM and/orthe accountholder of then account into which the deposit is being made)whether a deposit including such a value instrument (e.g., depositsincluding value instruments of similar denominations or of a similaroverall value) is typical for that customer. If such a deposit istypical, then it may be considered that there is a lower likelihood offraud than if it is atypical. As such, so as to minimize fraud,determining that a value instrument is suitable for recycling to fulfillwithdrawals may also be based on whether such a deposit is typical forthe customer. In particular, recycling may be foregone for deposits thatare sufficiently atypical, while recycling may be favoured for depositsthat are sufficiently typical. This may, for example, be determined byassigning, based on one or more factors (e.g., value instrumentdenomination, overall deposit value, time of deposit, location ofdeposit etc.), a score or scores related to the “typical-ness” of adeposit for the customer and comparing that score to one or morethresholds. In another example, accounts associated with known orsuspected deposits of counterfeit funds may be flagged and recycling maybe foregone for deposits to such accounts.

Referring back to FIG. 6, following determination of whether theobtained value instrument is suitable for recycling at the operation630, if it determined that the value instrument is unsuitable forrecycling, an operation 640 is next. By contrast, if it is determinedthat the value instrument is suitable for recycling, an operation 650 isnext.

At the operation 640, retaining of the value instrument by the automatedteller machine 100 is initiated. In particular, the automated tellermachine 100 may be retained by the automated teller machine 100 forpick-up when the automated teller machine 100 is serviced. For example,the automated teller machine 100 may transfer the value instrument to adeposit cassette of the cassettes 250 such as, for example, by way ofthe item receiver/dispenser 240.

As noted above, from the operation 630, if it is determined that thevalue instrument is suitable for recycling, the operation 650 is next.

At the operation 650, the value instrument is transferred to a recyclingcassette of the cassettes 250 for use in fulfilling future withdrawals.Conveniently, in this way, the automated teller machine 100 may requireless frequent servicing such as, for example, to replenish (e.g.,refill) it with value instruments. For example, where the valueinstrument is a banknote, it may allow deferral of servicing of theautomated teller machine 100 to replenish one or more cash cassettes ofthe cassettes 250.

Following the operation 650, an operation 660 is next. At the operation660, it is determined whether there are further value instruments in thedeposit. For example, it may be that input is received by the automatedteller machine 100 indicating whether the deposit is complete. In aparticular example, input may be received by way of the keypad 230. Suchinput may, for example, be received responsive to a prompt displayed,for example, by way of the display 220. Additionally or alternatively,whether there are further value instruments in the deposit may bedetected such, as for example, based on whether a further valueinstrument is received by the item receiver/dispenser 240. For example,it may be determined whether there are further value instruments in thedeposit based on a next item being received within a defined timeoutperiod. In a particular example, such a determination made be made basedon whether the item receiver/dispenser 240 receives a further valueinstrument within the defined timeout period.

If it is determined that there are more value instruments in thedeposit, control returns back to the operation 610 to receive the nextvalue instrument. Alternatively, if there are no further valueinstruments in the deposit, an operation 670 is next.

At the operation 670, the deposit is handled. For example, the automatedteller machine 100 may handle the deposit consistent with typicalhandling of deposits by automated teller machines. For example, anaccount may be credited in the amount of the deposit.

Following handling of the deposit at the operation 670, an operation 680is next.

At the operation 680, the automated teller machine 100 generates anindication reflecting the recycling (if any). The indication may be sentto a back-end system responsible for management of the automated tellermachine 100. For example, it may be sent to the back-office serversystem 110. In any event, the generation of the indication may serve toinfluence when a next servicing of the automated teller machine 100 willoccur.

Notably, financial institution back-end systems may maintain informationabout the status of each automated teller machine of that financialinstitution. Such information may, for example, include what valueinstruments are available to dispense by a particular ATM such as, forexample, the automated teller machine 100. Such information, may, forexample, be used for reconciliation. Additionally or alternatively, suchinformation may be used in scheduling servicing of ATMs such as, forexample, for replenishment of value instruments (e.g., cash). Notably,however, cash recycling may affect when such servicing (e.g., forreplenishment) needs to occur. Accordingly, the state informationmaintained by such back-end systems should reflect recycling of valueinstruments so that servicing can be adjusted accordingly. Such systemsmay, for example, be updated to reflect recycling responsive to inputsuch as, for example, the aforementioned indication reflecting anyrecycling.

For example, it may be that the indication generated at the operation680 includes an indication of a level of recycled value instrumentsretained in the automated teller machine 100. Such an indication (e.g.,of the level of recycled value instruments) may be sent by the automatedteller machine 100 to an automated scheduling component such as, forexample, using the communications module 320. Such an automatedscheduling component may be configured to schedule servicing of theautomated teller machine 100 based on the level of recycled valueinstruments. For example, the automated servicing component may beconfigured to schedule servicing of the automated teller machine 100 bydeferring a scheduled service visit where at least a threshold quantityof value instruments have been retained in the automated teller machine100 for recycling (e.g., where such a level is considered predictivethat service on the scheduled service date will not be required such as,for example, to replenish the automated teller machine 100 after it runsout of or low on banknotes and/or banknotes of a particulardenomination).

In another example, the automated scheduling component may, additionallyor alternatively, be further configured to determine a projected levelof value instruments in the automated teller machine 100 based ondeposit and withdrawal activity (e.g., recent, typical, and/orhistorical activity) such as, for example, deposit and withdrawalactivity using the automated teller machine 100 and/or similarlysituated machines. For example, where the value instruments arebanknotes, the projected level of value instruments (i.e., cash in thatcase) in the automated teller machine 100 may be determined based oncash withdrawal activity using the automated teller machine and cashdeposit activity using the automated teller machine. The automatedscheduling component may be further configured to schedule servicing ofthe automated teller machine 100 based on the project level of valueinstruments (cash or otherwise).

It is noted that the handling and recycling of a given value instrumentmust be made in real-time or near real-time in order to free up the itemreceiver/dispenser 240 to handle a next value instrument.

The method and process described above with reference to the flowchart600 is capable of variation. A non-exhaustive sampling of possiblevariations will now be provided.

In a first example of possible variations, it may be that whether or notto recycle value instruments is determined on the basis of an entiredeposit (e.g., of all of the value instruments making of the deposit)rather than on the basis on of individual value instruments of adeposit. Conveniently, in this way, the condition of each of the variousvalue instruments of a deposit may be considered collectively. In aparticular example, if some (or even one) of the value instruments of adeposit show indicia of possible being counterfeit, it may be that theentirety of the deposit is deemed unsuitable for recycling. In someimplementations of such a variation, it may be that an interim orholding one of the cassettes 250 is used to hold the value instrumentsof a deposit, from which those value instruments can later betransferred to a deposit cassette or a recycling cassette following adetermination of whether the value instruments of the deposit shouldrecycled (i.e., transferred to the recycling cassette rather than thedeposit cassette) following processing and analysis of the deposit aswhole. Notably, even if the deposit is assessed as a whole, the handlingand recycling of the deposit must be made in real-time or near real-timein order to free up the item receiver/dispenser 240 to a nexttransaction.

In another example of possible variations, it may be that whether or nota particular value instrument is recycled is based in part on thecondition of the automated teller machine 100. For example, it may bethat whether a particular value instrument is accepted for recycling isdependent on a fill level of one or more of the cassettes 250 (FIG. 2)of the automated teller machine 100. In a particular example, it may bethat where the condition of a particular value instrument is consideredpoor based on, for example, mutilation, but that value instrument isalso not suspected to be a counterfeit, then that value instrument maybe transferred for recycling where fill levels are low but may betransferred to a deposit cassette (and not recycled) if fill levels arehigher. In particular, where a value instrument is dependent oncomparison of a condition score to a threshold, that threshold may beadapted based on a fill level of one or more of the cassettes 250 (FIG.2) of the automated teller machine 100. Conveniently, in this way, theautomated teller machine 100 may adapt its recycling to avoid or defer arunning out of value instruments to fulfill withdrawals while alsoattempting to maximize the quality of recycled deposit items ascircumstances permit.

Referring again to FIG. 1, it is restated that the arrangement of FIG. 1is merely by way of example and, indeed, is capable of variation withoutdeviating from the subject matter of the present application. Forexample, the back-office server system 110 may include more than onecomputing device and/or may communicate with other computer servers inorder to provide functionality such as, for example, functionalityrelated to or a part of the subject matter of the present application.

FIG. 8 is a schematic operation diagram illustrating an operatingenvironment of another example embodiment.

As illustrated, an automated teller machine 800 is in communication withan ATM switch 810 and an ATM middle tier 812. The ATM switch 810 is incommunication with back-end infrastructure 820. The ATM middle tier 812is in communication with a financial transaction adapter 814. Thefinancial transaction adapter 814 is in communication with the back-endinfrastructure 820.

The automated teller machine 800 is an automated teller machine 100identical or similar to the automated teller machine 100 describedabove.

The ATM switch 810 and the ATM middle tier 812 are computer systems. Forexample, one or both of the ATM switch 810 and the ATM middle tier 812may be a suitably configured instance of the example computing device400.

The financial transaction adapter 814 and the back-end infrastructure820 each represent services provided by computer systems. For example,such services may be provided by one or more suitably configuredcomputer systems such as, for example, by one or more suitablyconfigured instances of the example computing device 400.

FIG. 9 illustrates a sequence diagram 900, similar to a UnifiedModelling Language (UML) sequence diagram, that shows how automatedteller machine 800, ATM switch 810, the ATM middle tier 812, thefinancial transaction adapter 814, and the back-end infrastructure 820may communicate in some embodiments, and, in particular, depictingmessages exchanged therebetween in automatically handling, in real-timeor near-real time, deposits of value instruments while also potentiallyrecycling value instruments received by the automated teller machine 800as the part of such deposits.

In the following description of the sequence diagram 900, discussion ismade of various messages being sent and received via a computer network.In some embodiments, the exchanged messages may be implemented asmessages.

However, in other embodiments, some or all of the illustrated messagesmay not correspond to messages per se when sent over the computernetwork but may instead be implemented using techniques such as forexample remote procedure call (RPC) and/or web services applicationprogramming interfaces (APIs). For example, it may be that the variousmessage pairs illustrated in FIG. 9—e.g. messages 910 and920—correspond, respectively, to an RPC or a web service API call and areply or callback in response to that call.

Notably, the messages illustrated in the sequence diagram 900 maycorrespond to messages as may be exchanged in the architecture of FIG. 8in carrying out a process for automatically handling and selectivelyrecycling, in real-time or near-real time, a value instrument receivedby the automated teller machine 800. Such a method may correspond to themethod depicted in the flowchart 600 (FIG. 6) or some variation thereof.

As illustrated, at the beginning of the sequence depicted in thesequence diagram 900, the automated teller machine 800 may send amessage 910 to the ATM middle tier 812. Such a message may includeinformation related to a value instrument such as may have been obtainedby and scanned at the automated teller machine 800 akin to the operation610 and the operation 620 (FIG. 6). It may be that the automated tellermachine 800 sends the image of the scanned value instrument to the ATMmiddle tier 812 by way of the message 910. Additionally oralternatively, the automated teller machine may conduct an analysis ofthe value instrument such as, for example, to determine a conditionscore. In such embodiments, the message 910 may include the results ofsuch an analysis. In some embodiments, the automated teller machine 800may perform a partial analysis and may send the results of that partialanalysis to the ATM middle tier 812 by way of the message 910. Forexample, the automated teller machine 800 may extract portions of thevalue instrument required for counterfeit detection and/or othercondition assessment and may send only those portions of the image ofthe scanned value instrument by way of the message 910.

Next, responsive to the message 910, the ATM middle tier 812 may send amessage 920 to the financial transaction adapter 814. In someembodiments, the message 920 may be considered a reply to the message910. For example, it may be that the ATM middle tier 812 performsoperations akin to the operation 630 (FIG. 6), with what operations areperformed depending on factors such as, for example, the circumstancesand, potentially, on what processing has already been performed by theautomated teller machine 800. For example, the ATM middle tier 812 mayanalyze an image of a value instrument to assess its condition such as,for example, as regards whether it may be mutilated and/or potentiallycounterfeit. In a particular example, processing at the ATM middle tier812 may assign one or more scores for condition, etc. as describedabove. The message 920 may be sent responsive to such processing and mayprovide information stemming therefrom. In a particular example, themessage 920 may provide a counterfeit score, a condition score, and/orinformation related to or deriving therefrom. Additionally oralternatively, the ATM middle tier 812 may receive one or more suchscores or such information from the automated teller machine 800 (e.g.,by way of the message 910) and/or may generate such scores based on ananalysis and, in either case, may compare them to a threshold score suchas may be determined by the ATM middle tier 812 and/or received by theATM middle tier 812 from another source (e.g., the automated tellermachine 800). The message 920 may include the results of such acomparison (e.g., a determination of whether a value instrument shouldbe recycled).

The financial transaction adapter 814 is responsible to act as anintermediary between the ATM middle tier 812 and the back-endinfrastructure 820 such as, for example, to convey information relatedto handling of the value instrument. Further to processing (such as, forexample, the processing described above as may occur responsive to themessage 910), a message 930 may be sent by the ATM middle tier 812 tothe financial transaction adapter 814. The message 930 may includeinformation related to the analysis of the value instrument. Forexample, the message 930 may include information also included in themessage 920 or information based on such information. In a particularexample, the message 930 may include information similar to theindication reflecting the recycling (if any) akin to indications as maybe generated at the operation 680 (FIG. 6). Notably, such an instance ofthe message 930 may correspond to intended recycling rather thanrecycling that has already occurred. Additionally or alternatively, itmay be that the message 930 (or another message which is not shown) issent providing an indication when recycling of one or more valueinstruments has occurred. For example, it may be that such a message issent to the financial transaction adapter 814 responsive to a messagereceived by the ATM middle tier 812 that was itself responsive to amessage (not shown) from the automated teller machine 800. Responsive tomessages such, as for example, messages indicating recycling thefinancial transaction adapter may, in some embodiments, send one or morefurther messages (not shown) to the back-end infrastructure 820. Forexample, such further messages may serve to send one or more indications(e.g., of the level of recycled value instruments) to an automatedscheduling component of the back-end infrastructure 820 akin tocommunication with an automated scheduling component as described above.Conveniently, in this way, when a next servicing of the automated tellermachine will occur may be influenced.

Responsive to the message 920, a message 940 is sent by the automatedteller machine 800 to the ATM switch 810. The ATM switch 810 isresponsible for completing and/or initiating completion of operations oftransaction(s) related to handling of the value instrument. For example,the ATM switch 810 may initiate or perform operations related tocrediting the payee's account in the amount of the deposit. In aparticular example, the ATM switch 810, may initiate a credit to theaccount into which the deposit including the value instrument is made.In summary, the ATM switch 810 may perform or initiate operations akinto the operation 670 (FIG. 6).

In performing or initiating operations, the ATM switch 810 maycommunicate with the back-end infrastructure 820. For example, the ATMswitch 810 may send a message 950 to the back-end infrastructure 820and/or may receive a message 960 from the back-end infrastructure 820.In some embodiments, the message 960 may be considered a reply to themessage 950. In a particular example, the ATM switch 810 may communicatewith the back-end infrastructure 820 such as, for example, to effect acredit corresponding to the deposit.

Upon completing processing and/or initiating processing, the ATM switch810 may send a message 970 to the automated teller machine 800. In someembodiments, the message 970 may be considered a reply to the message940. Additionally or alternatively, it may be that the message 970 issent responsive to the message 960.

The message 970 may act as an indication to the automated teller machine800 that the payee's account has been credited in the amount of thevalue instrument.

In some embodiments, the automated teller machine 800 may communicaterepeatedly with the ATM middle tier (e.g., similar to the exchange ofthe message 910 and the message 920) for each value instrument making upa deposit before communicating with the ATM switch 810 to complete thedeposit (e.g., similar to the sending of the message 940, etc.).

Example embodiments of the present application are not limited to anyparticular operating system, system architecture, mobile devicearchitecture, server architecture, or computer programming language.

It will be understood that the applications, modules, routines,processes, threads, or other software components implementing thedescribed method/process may be realized using standard computerprogramming techniques and languages. The present application is notlimited to particular processors, computer languages, computerprogramming conventions, data structures, or other such implementationdetails. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the describedprocesses may be implemented as a part of computer-executable codestored in volatile or non-volatile memory, as part of anapplication-specific integrated chip (ASIC), etc.

As noted, certain adaptations and modifications of the describedembodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments areconsidered to be illustrative and not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer system comprising: a processor; and amemory coupled to the processor storing instructions that, when executedby the computer system, cause the computer system to: receive an imageof a value instrument obtained by an automated teller machine fordeposit; analyze the image of the value instrument to determine acondition of the value instrument; determine, based on the condition ofthe value instrument, that the value instrument is suitable forrecycling to fulfill withdrawals; and upon determining that the valueinstrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals, initiaterecycling of the value instrument by the automated teller machine andgenerate an indication reflecting the recycling to influence when a nextservicing of the automated teller machine will occur.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the computer system,further cause the computer system to: receive an image of a second valueinstrument obtained by the automated teller machine for deposit; analyzethe image of the second value instrument to determine a condition of thesecond value instrument; determine, based on the condition of the secondvalue instrument, that the second value instrument is unsuitable forrecycling to fulfill withdrawals; and upon determining that the secondvalue instrument is unsuitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals,initiate retaining of the second value instrument by the automatedteller machine for pick-up when the automated teller machine isserviced.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein determining the condition ofthe value instrument includes: determining a condition score reflectiveof the condition of the value instrument, wherein determining that thevalue instrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawalsincludes determining that the condition score is greater than athreshold score.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein analyzing the image ofthe value instrument to determine the condition of the value instrumentincludes: comparing the image of the value instrument to a digitalspecimen value instrument.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein thecondition includes a counterfeit status of the value instrument andwherein analyzing the image of the value instrument to determine thecondition of the value instrument includes: verifying, using the image,one or more security features of the value instrument.
 6. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the computer system further comprises a communicationsmodule coupled to the processor and wherein the indication reflectingthe recycling to influence when a next servicing of the automated tellermachine will occur includes an indication of a level of recycled valueinstruments retained in the automated teller machine and wherein theinstructions, when executed by the computer system, further cause thecomputer system to: send the indication of the level of recycled valueinstruments retained in the automated teller machine to an automatedscheduling component using the communications module, wherein theautomated scheduling component is configured to schedule servicing ofthe automated teller machine based on the level of recycled valueinstruments.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the automated schedulingcomponent is configured to schedule servicing of the automated tellermachine by deferring a scheduled service visit where at least athreshold quantity of value instruments have been retained in theautomated teller machine for recycling.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the automated scheduling component is further configured todetermine a projected level of value instruments in the automated tellermachine based on cash withdrawal activity using the automated tellermachine and cash deposit activity using the automated teller machine andwherein the automated scheduling component is further configured toschedule servicing of the automated teller machine based on theprojected level of value instruments in the automated teller machine. 9.The system of claim 1 wherein the instructions, when executed by thecomputer system, further cause the computer system to: determine, basedon previous deposits by a customer associated with the deposit, whetherdeposits including value instruments like the value instrument aretypical for the customer, and wherein determining that the valueinstrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals is furtherbased on whether the deposit is typical for the customer.
 10. The systemof claim 1 wherein the value instrument is a banknote.
 11. Acomputer-implemented method comprising: receiving an image of a valueinstrument obtained by an automated teller machine for deposit;analyzing the image of the value instrument to determine a condition ofthe value instrument; determining, based on the condition of the valueinstrument, that the value instrument is suitable for recycling tofulfill withdrawals; and upon determining that the value instrument issuitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals, initiating recycling ofthe value instrument by the automated teller machine and generating anindication reflecting the recycling to influence when a next servicingof the automated teller machine will occur.
 12. The method of claim 11further comprising: receiving an image of a second value instrumentobtained by the automated teller machine for deposit; analyzing theimage of the second value instrument to determine a condition of thesecond value instrument; determining, based on the condition of thesecond value instrument, that the second value instrument is unsuitablefor recycling to fulfill withdrawals; and upon determining that thesecond value instrument is unsuitable for recycling to fulfillwithdrawals, initiating retaining of the second value instrument by theautomated teller machine for pick-up when the automated teller machineis serviced.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein determining thecondition of the value instrument includes: determining a conditionscore reflective of the condition of the value instrument, whereindetermining that the value instrument is suitable for recycling tofulfill withdrawals includes determining that the condition score isgreater than a threshold score.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein thecondition includes a counterfeit status of the value instrument andwherein analyzing the image of the value instrument to determine thecondition of the value instrument includes: verifying, using the image,one or more security features of the value instrument.
 15. The method ofclaim 11 wherein the indication reflecting the recycling to influencewhen a next servicing of the automated teller machine will occurincludes an indication of a level of recycled value instruments retainedin the automated teller machine, the method further comprising: sendingthe indication of the level of recycled value instruments retained inthe automated teller machine to an automated scheduling component,wherein the automated scheduling component is configured to scheduleservicing of the automated teller machine based on the level of recycledvalue instruments.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the automatedscheduling component is configured to schedule servicing of theautomated teller machine by deferring a scheduled service visit where atleast a threshold quantity of value instruments have been retained inthe automated teller machine for recycling.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the automated scheduling component is further configured todetermine a projected level of value instruments in the automated tellermachine based on cash withdrawal activity using the automated tellermachine and cash deposit activity using the automated teller machine andwherein the automated scheduling component is further configured toschedule servicing of the automated teller machine based on theprojected level of value instruments in the automated teller machine.18. The method of claim 11 further comprising: determining, based onprevious deposits by a customer associated with the deposit, whetherdeposits including value instruments like the value instrument aretypical for the customer, and wherein determining that the valueinstrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals is furtherbased on whether the deposit is typical for the customer.
 19. The methodof claim 11 wherein the value instrument is a banknote.
 20. Anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructionsthat when executed by a processor of a computer system cause thecomputer system to: receive an image of a value instrument obtained byan automated teller machine for deposit; analyze the image of the valueinstrument to determine a condition of the value instrument; determine,based on the condition of the value instrument, that the valueinstrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals; and upondetermining that the value instrument is suitable for recycling tofulfill withdrawals, initiate recycling of the value instrument by theautomated teller machine and generate an indication reflecting therecycling to influence when a next servicing of the automated tellermachine will occur.